Amazonian Uranid Moth vs Giant Northern Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Amazonian Uranid Moth Giant Northern Termite
Scientific Name Urania leilus Mastotermes darwiniensis
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Uraniidae Mastotermitidae
Size 70-90 mm wingspan 10-15mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Amazonian Uranid Moth

A day-flying moth with iridescent green, blue, and black bands on swallowtail-shaped wings. It undertakes massive seasonal migrations across the Amazon.

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Did You Know?

Millions migrate together across the Amazon when their larval host plants build up toxic defenses, forcing them to seek fresh stands.

Giant Northern Termite

The most primitive living termite and the only surviving member of its family. It retains many cockroach-like features including laying eggs in cockroach-like oothecae. It is extremely destructive to timber.

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Did You Know?

It is a living fossil, the most primitive termite alive, retaining cockroach-like features that link termites to their ancestors.